Overview & Reviews

Mitsubishi has built its brand in the United States with a selection of cars and SUVs that tend to offer above-average performance and style. The parent company has its roots in producing commercial vehicles for its home market of Japan.

A Japanese word meaning "three diamonds," Mitsubishi was founded in by Yataro Iwasaki, a descendant of samurais, in the early 1870s. The company's initial focus was on shipping, but it quickly diversified into areas such as mining and ship repair. In 1917, Mitsubishi unveiled the Model A, Japan's first series production passenger car.

It wasn't until 1960, with the launch of the compact Mitsubishi 500, that the company began producing passenger vehicles on a large scale. That decade also saw the launch of other Mitsubishi light passenger vehicles like the 360 Van and 360 Pickup. The company also distinguished itself on the racetrack during this decade, taking top honors in Japan's Grand Prix.

Mitsubishi's automobile production arm was officially spun off into a company of its own with the establishment of Mitsubishi Motors Corporation in 1970. The company's Colt made its way to American shores in 1971, the same year in which Chrysler purchased a 15 percent stake in the new company. However, the Colt wasn't sold under the Mitsubishi name, but rather under the Dodge brand, reflecting Chrysler's interest in the company. By the end of the decade, Mitsubishi was producing more than 1 million cars per year.

In 1982, Mitsubishi began selling cars in the U.S. under its own name. Through the '80s it offered a variety of cars for the states, including the subcompact Mirage, turbocharged Starion sports car and midsize Galant sedan. Mitsubishi hit its stride in the '90s, thanks to the popularity of the Eclipse sport coupe and 3000GT sports car in the U.S. and the turbocharged Lancer Evolution in other parts of the world.

Chrysler made the most of its partnership, as it used Mitsubishi platforms under many of its models. The Eclipse, in particular, was a key vehicle produced by the Diamond Star Motors partnership. In 1998, Chrysler merged with Daimler-Benz to become DaimlerChrysler. Mitsubishi's partnership continued with DaimlerChrysler for a few years but was financially terminated by 2003.

The new millennium has been a struggle for Mitsubishi. Its vehicles have grown stale with consumers and sales have wavered. At one point the company was forced to admit that it had systematically covered up vehicle defects in Japan. On the upside, though, the company's compact, high-performance sedan, the Lancer Evolution, has been a continuing success in the United States. Going forward, Mitsubishi plans to revitalize its brand by developing environmentally friendly vehicles (such as its all-electric "i" hatchback) that are still fun to drive.

User Reviews:

• 

  Lean, mean and green! - 1998 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By gulati - October 5 - 4:33 pm

  Our Mirage LS was exceptionally reliable. Like our previous Colt, not much more than routine maintenance, with tires and brakes lasting 60K. After 120K the car did loose some zip, maybe form diminished compression. And while fuel economy also declined, we could still obtain 35 mpg plus on the long trips.

• 

  Montero Forever - 2002 Mitsubishi Montero
  By UTGKS - October 5 - 10:00 am

  We spent months looking for other SUVs and really only ended up at the Biggers Mitsubishi for the cool FREE demo CD. After driving the Outlander to seal the deal on the CD, we looked at the Montero Limited and two hours later ended up driving it home. We were sold on the room for the money!

• 

  2014 Mitsubishi Mirage - 2014 Mitsubishi Mirage
  By rob269 - September 30 - 6:19 am

  I bought this car as I finally decided to try a small car, coming out of an 2012 F150 and a 2011 Genesis, which are the types of vehicles I am used to driving. This is not a Cadillac, Lexus or Mercedes, and its not a BMW or Corvette. So dont expect the luxury and handling you would get in one of those vehicles. Having come out of some very nice vehicles, this one is pretty impressive considering the price and the gas mileage. I read all the bad reviews before I bought but decided to go test drive one and judge for myself, and was I surprised. I think the criticisms levied at this vehicle are greatly exaggerated, to the benefit of its competitors. But the MPG is for real, outstanding

• 

  07 Raider SE 4.7L V-8 - 2007 Mitsubishi Raider
  By Eire - September 25 - 3:50 pm

  Was looking for a Dakota but like others did not like the new front end. After looking at other mid size trucks and comparing the prices decide to go with this one. Love the V-8 and get the same mpg as a V-6 is great. Has good power and the truck rides great. Interior is comfortable and the kids love all the room they have in the back.

• 

  great starter - 2002 Mitsubishi Eclipse
  By crow - September 22 - 2:00 am

  I also own a 2002 acura RSX, as well as my eclipse. I loved the car at first but it needs alot of improvments, compaired to the RSx it has no tork, and alot less comfort. To my surprise I loved the factory radio-sounds great. Has alot of extra room that could have been avoided-after driving the RSX and then geating into my eclipse it is a real ruff ride.

• 

  Saved our Lives - 2003 Mitsubishi Outlander
  By gail - September 20 - 4:06 pm

  Our Outlander saved me, my daughters and her friends lives! Tonight we were in a terrible car accident where I went into a ditch and my truck flipped over three times! We all had our seatbelts on, the back windows shattered OUT the car, the sides got bangged up, but the doors never caved in, the roof and hood were badly smashed. When people passed the vehicle, they were horrified...and could not believe we were alive! I am going to buy another...as I feel it truly saved us....I give it a five star safety rating...thanks Mitsubishi!

• 

  70,000 Milles and still very happy! - 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
  By Raul O - September 16 - 5:30 pm

  I have had my Mitsubishi Lancer for three years now, driving from Miami to New York, trailering my 850 pounds jet ski to the bay all weekends and the car still is like new condition. The only repairs that I have done besides oil changes, change spark plugs, filter and alignment, have been to replace the spark plug wires. I am really happy with the reliability of this car. It has a lot of space, is strong enough to pull the jet ski or a boat off the ramp on the weekends, and has good interior space. I am 62" and fit perfectly and comfortably in the car. Thus far my Lancer has been a very dependable car.

• 

  New Mitsu for a GM loyalist - 2008 Mitsubishi Endeavor
  By TimmyD - September 12 - 2:33 am

  As a loyal GM owner, I have to admit when I began began researching new cars to replace our GMC Yukon, Mitsubishi was not high on our list. After a couple of weeks of searching we found that Mitsubishi had a generous factory rebate and decided to give the Endeavor a test drive. We were impressed by the handling and lively engine performance. We have two children and were concerned about interior room, since we were used to the spacious interior of our Yukon. We were pleasantly surprised when we all piled in and realized that we had plenty of room and that the large cargo area had sufficient space for our large stroller and many other "must haves" for parents. We took it home that day.

• 

  Tough Comfortable Odd looking Suv - 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
  By George - September 5 - 2:03 am

  Im really impressed with the off-road capablities of this vehicle, if not for somewhat low clearances, this truck could be unstoppable. Ive taken it places my friends have feared to tread, (pathfinder) just in its stock form. The gas mileage is unimpressive, though from its size its expected. Plus it was so cheap I can afford to have fun with it.

• 

  The best for your money - 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
  By kizashiowner - September 4 - 12:04 am

  My wife wanted 4x4 to tackle the snow mountain at shoprite and BJs, kidding ladies. I wanted her to have AWD si I feel safer that she is driving all weather car with my daughter in it. Researched over and over and couldnt find better value. 8.5 ground clearance, AWC one of the best with 4 lock in case of deep snow, comfort seats so she says and my wife is picky, as for the power though it can use more but you can always use the manual shifter by the steering wheel and pass with no issue, 710 W Rockoford Fostage, I want that in my car amazing sound if you enjoy your music, HD headlights cover four lane in the highway bright like a daylight, enough cargo for small family but fun safe AWD